Ferguson, Carr, Perry and Whaleback Fires still burning

The Perry Fire burning between Reno and Pyramid Lake has now burned 25,600 acres and is now 15 percent contained. It started Friday evening and the cause is unknown at this time.

Fire officials are projecting that the fire will run uphill south into the Pah Rah Range and Virginia Peak Ridge into general sage-grouse habitat, livestock allotments and Virginia Peak communications site; west downhill into Warm Springs Valley threatening single-family primary residences; east downhill into Palomino Valley threatening additional primary residences as well as current threats, threatening the closure of highways 445, 446, and 447 which are primary ingress and egress arteries to the communities on the west side of Pyramid Lake. Cultural sites are also threatened. Many homes have been evacuated.

The triple digit heat and single-digit humidity is forecast again for the area. The air quality in Reno is in the unhealthy for "sensitive groups" range and they have an AQI of 137.

South Lake Tahoe's Air Quality Index is in the good range Monday morning with a AQI of 26.

The Whaleback Fire is burning west of Eagle Lake, NW of Susanville in the Brockman Lava Beds. It has burned 14,098 acres and is 20 percent contained. High heat and winds are expected Monday. In the next 12 hours, fire officials believe the west flank of the fire should continue spreading up to the WNW, influenced by dry weather, topography, and dry forest fuels. Fire could also spread south-west upslope towards Antelope Mountain up to 1/4 mile. Minimal fire spread expected along north-eastern flank.

The cause of the fire that started Friday morning is unknown at this time.

Near Redding, California, the Carr Fire continues to create devastation as it has now burned 98,724 acres and is now 20 percent contained. 723 homes have burned and 159 have been damaged by the fire that started July 23. 5,000 structures are still threatened.

The cause of the fire was mechanical failure of a vehicle.

Firefighters worked through the night to build control lines. Today crews will work to mitigate potential spot fires as shifting winds, dry fuels, and steep drainages exist below control lines. Red Flag Warning expired this morning. Damage assessment will continue as conditions allow.

Several residents are being allowed back to their homes but many evacuation orders are still in place for the City of Redding, Shasta County and Trinity County.

There have been two firefighter fatalities in this fire as well as four residents.

Southwest of Lake Tahoe, the Ferguson Fire is now 30 percent contained and is measured at 56,659 acres. Much of the fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain with little to no access roads. Mandatory and advisory evacuations are in place in several areas but no homes have been damaged or destroyed.

There have been two firefighter fatalities, seven injuries and one structure has been burned.

Yosemite National Park announces Yosemite Valley will reopen to all visitors at 4:00 pm on Friday, August 3, 2018. Limited visitor services will be available inside Yosemite Valley, including campgrounds, lodging, and food service operations. Due to continuing firefighting operations along the Wawona Road, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and the Wawona Road (Highway 41) from the South Entrance of Yosemite National Park to Tunnel View will remain closed until further notice.